Electric vehicle that distributes information between vehicles in a fleet

ABSTRACT

An electric vehicle is coupled to communicate with the cloud. The cloud is coupled to and communicates with the electric vehicle. The cloud includes a server. The electric vehicle is configured to distribute information between electric vehicles in a fleet. The electric vehicle has cloud connectivity and a second local wireless communication to communication information to the fleet of electric vehicles. When a message is received by the first electric vehicle, the first and second components provide a verification of their existence. The first and second components decrypt and verify their parts of the message. When either the first or second component fails to provide a verification, the electric vehicle is not activated.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/843,918, filed Apr. 9, 2020, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/569,151, filed Sep. 12, 2019, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/864,927, filed Jun. 21, 2019, all of which are incorporated byreference herein in their entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to electrical vehicles, and moreparticularly to electric vehicle that distributes information betweenvehicles in a fleet.

Brief Description of the Related Art

Vehicular communications are a growing area of communications betweenvehicles and including roadside communication infrastructure. Advancesin wireless communications are making possible sharing of informationthrough real time communications between vehicles and infrastructure.This has led to applications to increase safety of vehicles andcommunication between passengers and the Internet. Standardizationefforts on vehicular communication are also underway to make vehiculartransportation safer, greener and easier.

One example of a Vehicular communication systems used computer networksin which vehicles and roadside units are the communicating nodes,providing each other with information, such as safety warnings andtraffic information. They can be effective in avoiding accidents andtraffic congestion. Both types of nodes are dedicated short-rangecommunications (DSRC) devices. DSRC works in 5.9 GHz band with bandwidthof 75 MHz and approximate range of 300 m.[1] Vehicular communications isusually developed as a part of intelligent transportation systems (ITS).

One motivation for vehicular communication systems is safety andeliminating the excessive cost of traffic collisions. According to theWorld Health Organization (WHO), road accidents annually causeapproximately 1.2 million deaths worldwide; one fourth of all deathscaused by injury. Also, about 50 million persons are injured in trafficaccidents. If preventive measures are not taken road death is likely tobecome the third-leading cause of death in 2020 from ninth place in1990, a study from the American Automobile Association (AAA) concludedthat car crashes cost the United States $300 billion per year. It can beused for automated traffic intersection control.

SUMMARY

An object of the present invention is to provide an electric vehicleconfigured to distribute information between electric vehicles in afleet.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an electricvehicle configured to distribute information between electric vehiclesin a fleet, with the electric vehicle having cloud connectivity and asecond local wireless communication to communication information to thefleet of electric vehicles.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electricvehicle configured to distribute information between electric vehiclesin a fleet, wherein when a vehicle communicates with the cloud, itreports its occasionally.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an electricvehicle configured to distribute information between electric vehiclesin a fleet.

A further object of the present invention wherein when a vehicle reportsits status it reports a presence of other fleet-vehicles that they havedetected on local wireless.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electricvehicle configured to distribute information between electric vehiclesin a fleet.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide an electricvehicle configured to distribute data information between electricvehicles in a fleet. wherein the data decreases fleet-wide data-usageand improves fleet operation.

These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in, anelectric vehicle that is coupled to an communicates with the cloud. Thecloud is coupled to and communicates with the electric vehicle. Thecloud includes a server. The electric vehicle is configured todistribute information between electric vehicles in a fleet. Theelectric vehicle has cloud connectivity and a second local wirelesscommunication to communication information to the fleet of electricvehicles. When a message is received by the first electric vehicle, thefirst and second components provide a verification of their existence.The first and second components decrypt and verify their parts of themessage. When either the first or second component fails to provide averification, the electric vehicle is not activated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an electric scooter according to embodiments of thedisclosed technology.

FIG. 2 illustrates further detail of the electric scooter of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 illustrates further detail of the deck assembly and latch ofFIGS. 1 and 2 .

FIG. 4 illustrates detail of the scooter of FIGS. 1 and 2 with the latchin an open position.

FIG. 5 illustrates further detail of the scooter of FIGS. 1 and 2 withthe latch in an open position.

FIG. 6 illustrates detail of the scooter of FIGS. 1 and 2 with the latchin an open position.

FIG. 7 illustrates further detail of the scooter of FIGS. 1 and 2 duringinstallation, or removal, of the deck assembly.

FIG. 8 illustrates a quick twist electrical soft connector according toembodiments of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cushioned electrical connector according toembodiments of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 10 illustrates a compound locking assembly according to embodimentsof the disclosed technology.

FIG. 11A illustrates a portion of the scooter during removal orinstallation of the deck assembly.

FIG. 11B illustrates the retention device for the loose portions of theelectrical cables of the scooter.

FIG. 12 illustrates a hidden latch mechanism for the scooter.

FIG. 13 illustrates a process for a user to install a removable deckassembly into an electric scooter according to embodiments of thedisclosed technology.

FIG. 14 illustrates a process for a user to remove a removable deckassembly from an electric scooter according to embodiments of thedisclosed technology.

FIG. 15 illustrates one embodiment of electric vehicle with public andprivate keys, and vehicle to vehicle communication.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the described technology provide electric scooters havingtop-swappable batteries. The batteries may be attached to the undersideof the deck of the scooter to form a removable deck assembly. The deckassembly may be removed from the top of the scooter by operating a latchand lifting a handle of the assembly. The deck assembly may be returnedto the scooter in a similar manner.

In some embodiments, the battery may be electrically coupled to a motorof the scooter by electrical cables and an electrical connector. Theelectrical connector may be a quick twist connector that is opened andclosed by twisting its halves in opposite directions.

In some embodiments, instead of using electrical cables, the scooter anddeck assembly may include electrical connectors that mate when the deckassembly is installed in the scooter. The electrical connectors may besurrounded by cushions that protect the connectors from microvibrations, dirt and water, and the like.

FIG. 1 illustrates an electric scooter 100 according to embodiments ofthe disclosed technology. Referring to FIG. 1 , the scooter 100 includesa deck assembly 102 removably attached to a frame 104 of the scooter100. The deck assembly 102 includes a battery case 106 mountedunderneath a deck 112. The battery case 106 includes one or morebatteries (not shown). The batteries are electrically coupled to anelectric drive motor 108, which is protected by a housing 110. Thescooter 100 may be steered by turning a handlebar 116. The speed of themotor 108 may be controlled using a throttle 114 mounted on thehandlebar 116.

The electric scooter 100 is depicted in FIG. 1 as having only twowheels. However, it will be appreciated that the disclosed technologyapplies to scooters having any number of wheels. Furthermore, it will beappreciated that the disclosed technology applies to vehicles other thanscooters, and having any number of wheels.

FIG. 2 illustrates further detail of the electric scooter 100 of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 2 , the removable deck assembly 102 is held flushwith the frame 104 by a latch 206 when engaged in a notch 204. The latch206 may be controlled by a latch mechanism (not shown) disposed withinthe housing 110.

FIG. 3 illustrates further detail of the deck assembly 102 and latch 206of FIGS. 1 and 2 . Referring to FIG. 3 , the deck assembly 102 mayinclude a handle 302 to assist with the removal and installation of thedeck assembly 102. The handle 302 may include a notch 204 to receive thelatch 206. The deck assembly 102 may include a lock 308. The lock 308may be operable to fix the latch 206 in an open position and/or a closedposition, where the latch 206 secures the deck assembly 102 within theframe 104 when in the closed position. A key (not shown) may be insertedwithin lock assembly 308 to rotate the latch into, and out of, the notch204, that is, between the closed position and an open position. Whenengaged with the notch 204, the latch retains the deck assembly 102within the frame 104 of the scooter 100.

In the depicted embodiment, the lock assembly 308 is implemented as aphysical lock, to be used with a physical key. But in other embodiments,the lock assembly 308 may be implemented in other ways. For example, thelock assembly 308 may be an electronic lock, which may be operated usingan electronic key, fob, remote control, or the like. In embodimentswhere security is not required, the lock in the lock assembly 308 may bereplaced with a knob, a button, or another mechanism. In any case, thelock assembly 308 may be hidden or disguised. This feature is especiallyuseful in a ridesharing fleet, where users should not operate the lockassembly 308, or remove the deck assembly 102.

FIG. 4 illustrates detail of the scooter 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 with thelatch 206 in an open position. Referring to FIG. 4 , the lock assembly308 has been operated to rotate the latch 206 out of the notch 204. Toprotect the user from the latch, the latch 206 has been rotated to aposition within the housing 110. The deck assembly 102 may now beremoved from the scooter 100.

FIG. 5 illustrates further detail of the scooter 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2with the latch 206 in an open position, and with the housing 110removed. Referring to FIG. 5 , the latch 206, and the lock assembly 308,are held in place by a strut 502 that is connected to the frame 104.

FIG. 6 illustrates detail of the scooter 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 duringinstallation, or removal, of the deck assembly 102. Referring to FIG. 6, the frame 104 has an upper surface 606, and an opening 602 in theframe 104 is visible. The opening 602 is formed so as to receive thedeck assembly 102 when the deck assembly 102 is lowered into the openingof the frame from above the upper surface 606 of the frame. As can beseen in FIG. 6 , the deck assembly 102 includes a protruding tongue 604at the front of the deck assembly 102. During removal of the deckassembly 102, a user may lift the deck assembly 102 out of the openingof the frame 104 from above the upper surface 606 of the frame 104 bypivoting the deck assembly 102 upward about the tongue 604 using thehandle 302, and then slide the deck assembly 102 slightly to the rear ofthe scooter 100 to disengage the tongue 604 from the frame 104. Duringinstallation of the deck assembly 102, a user may first insert thetongue 604 into the frame 104, pivot the deck assembly 102 downward intothe opening 602 until flush with the frame 104, and then rotate thelatch 206 into the notch 204 to secure the deck assembly 102 within theframe 104.

Also visible in FIG. 6 is the battery case 106. The battery case 106 mayinclude one or more batteries (not shown), which may be cushioned withfoam pads or similar materials. The battery case 106 may be integratedwith the deck 112 to form the deck assembly 102, as noted above. Thedeck assembly 102 may be watertight to prevent damage to the batteries,and may be of automotive quality. This arrangement provides severaladvantages. In current designs, the battery case is mounted underneath anon-removable deck, for example using screws. In such designs, thebatteries can only be removed by inverting the scooter, and unscrewingthe battery case. During this process, the scooter may be damaged, thebattery case may be damaged, and the screws may be lost. Furthermore,the user must have a tool such as a screwdriver. In contrast, in thedescribed embodiments, the batteries may be removed without tools, bysimply operating the latch 206 and lifting out the deck assembly 102. Notools are required. The scooter need not be inverted, and may remain onthe ground, in a rack, or the like.

Other advantages are especially applicable to a fleet of shareableelectric scooters. In current fleets, the scooters are generallycollected each evening, and taken to a charging facility where thebatteries are charged. The charged scooters are then returned to scootersharing locations the next morning. But in this arrangement, thescooters are unavailable for sharing while being charged. And thisarrangement requires two trips per day: one trip to collect thescooters, and another trip to deploy them.

Embodiments of the disclosed technology solve both of these problems.With the disclosed removable deck assembly, the scooters need not becollected. Instead, only the deck assemblies may be collected. Thescooters may be left in the sharing location, sharing racks, and thelike. Furthermore, with a fleet of similar scooters, the deck assembliesare interchangeable. Therefore, an operator can replace a dischargedbattery pack with a fresh battery pack, requiring only one trip, andkeeping the scooter available while the discharged battery pack isrecharged. And because the disclosed deck assemblies are much smallerthan the scooters, many more scooters can be serviced by a single truckthan with current arrangements. In addition, because the disclosed deckassemblies weigh less than the scooter, there is less likelihood anoperator will be injured while lifting them.

FIG. 7 illustrates further details of the scooter 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2during installation, or removal, of the deck assembly 102 Referring toFIG. 7 , the tongue 604 of the deck assembly 102 is free of the frame104. As can be seen in FIG. 7 , the frame 104 may feature a double-wallconstruction for rigidity and light weight. In the disclosed embodiment,a slot 702 may be formed between the walls of the frame 104 to receivethe tongue 604. Also visible in the embodiment of FIG. 7 is a portion ofan electrical power cable 704. The power cable 704 may provide power tothe motor 108 of the scooter 100. To separate the deck assembly 102 fromthe scooter 100, the user may operate a connector of the power cable704, as described in detail below.

FIG. 8 illustrates a quick twist electrical soft connector according toembodiments of the disclosed technology. As used herein, the term “softconnector” is used to refer to a connector having two halves, where atleast one of the halves is coupled to a flexible electrical cable. Insome embodiments, the term “soft connector” is used to refer to aconnector where both halves of the connector are coupled to respectiveflexible electrical cables. As described below, the flexible cable(s)serve to insulate the scooter from micro vibrations, a problem unique tovehicles such as scooters that have small, hard wheels. Referring toFIG. 8 , the soft electrical connector includes a male half 802 and afemale half 804. The halves 802, 804 are formed at the ends ofelectrical cables 806, 808, respectively. The illustrated soft connectoris a quick twist connector that is opened and closed by twisting itshalves 802, 804 in opposite directions. Accordingly, the female half 804of the soft connector includes a plurality of curved slots 810, eachincluding a round opening to receive a respective locking pin (notshown) of the male half 802. The electrical connectors may beimplemented in a similar manner, as shown at 812.

In some embodiments, one half of the soft connector may include alocking indicator 814. The locking indicator 814 may shine red until thesoft connector is completely closed, whereupon the indicator 814 mayswitch to green to indicate a positive lock of the soft connector.

One advantage of the disclosed quick twist electrical soft connector isthat it mitigates the problem of micro vibrations. Vehicles such asautomobiles and bicycles are subject to vibrations caused byimperfections in the road surface. Vehicles with small, hard wheels,such scooters, are subject to these vibrations, and also to microvibrations, which are caused by tiny imperfections in the road surface,for example such as the pebbles in a conglomerate road surface.Electrical connectors in particular are adversely affected by microvibrations, which cause the mating electrical parts to rub together andthereby deteriorate. Gold plating on electrical connectors isparticularly subject to this deterioration. In the disclosedembodiments, the lengths of electrical cables 806, 808 isolate theelectrical connector from these micro vibrations, greatly reducing anywear the electrical connectors 812 experience.

Another advantage of the disclosed quick twist electrical soft connectoris that it encourages users not to pull on the cables 806, 808 to openthe soft connector. In conventional electrical connectors with no twistlock mechanism, users may be tempted to pull on the cables to open theconnector. This abuse may shorten the life of the electrical cable andelectrical connector considerably. But this is not possible with thetwist connector. The user must grasp the soft connector halves in orderto twist them in opposite directions. Consequently, the electrical softconnector and electrical cables 806, 808 may enjoy a longer lifespan.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cushioned electrical connector according toembodiments of the disclosed technology. Referring to FIG. 9 , a deckassembly 902 that includes a battery pack may be pressed against anelastic mounting block 904 during installation. The deck assembly 902,and the mounting block 904, include respective electrical connectors910, 912 that are mated during installation of the deck assembly 902,thereby providing power from the battery pack to the motor through anelectrical power cable 908. The mounting block 904 may be fabricated ofan elastic material such as rubber to cushion the electrical connectors910, 912 from micro vibrations. In the embodiment of FIG. 9 , theelastic mounting block 904 is disposed upon the scooter.

But in other embodiments, an elastic mounting block may be disposed onthe deck assembly 902 instead, or as well. For example, as shown in FIG.9 , the deck assembly 902 may include a second elastic mounting block914 to further isolate the electrical connectors 910, 912 from microvibrations. These elastic mounting blocks 904, 914 may also form a sealabout the electrical connectors 910, 912 that protects the electricalconnectors 910, 912 from water, dirt, and the like.

FIG. 10 illustrates a compound locking assembly according to embodimentsof the disclosed technology. Referring to FIG. 10 , the compound lockingassembly includes a mechanical lock 1002, which may be operated by aphysical key 1004 to rotate a latch 1006 into a corresponding notch,such as notch 204 in handle 302 of deck assembly 102, as shown in FIG. 3.

Referring again to FIG. 10 , the compound locking assembly may alsoinclude an electric lock 1008, which may receive power throughelectrical cables 1010, and which may be operated using an electronickey, fob, remote control, or the like. When operated, the electric lock1008 may insert a tab 1014 into an opening 1012 formed in the latch 1006of the mechanical lock 1002, thereby preventing operation of themechanical lock 1002.

In some embodiments, the electric lock 1008 may operate in parallel withthe mechanical lock 1002. In such embodiments, the electric lock 1008may insert the tab 1014 into a notch in the deck assembly. In suchembodiments, both locks 1002, 1008 must be opened to release the deckassembly.

In some embodiments, the tab 1014 of the electrical lock 1008 may havemultiple stops. In one of the stops, the tab 1014 engages the latch 1006of the mechanical lock 1002, thereby preventing its operation, asillustrated in FIG. 10 . In another of the stops, the tab 1014 engages anotch in the deck, thereby preventing its removal, as described above.In still another one of the stops, the tab 1014 engages neither thelatch 1006 nor the deck assembly, thereby permitting operation of themechanical lock 1002, and removal of the deck assembly.

In embodiments that include an electrical power cable, the scooter mayinclude a mechanism to retain and protect the cable when the deckassembly is installed. FIGS. 11A, B illustrate one such mechanismaccording to embodiments of the disclosed technology. In FIGS. 11A, Bthe mechanism is illustrated for the electrical cables 806, 808 andelectrical connector 802, 804 of FIG. 8 . However, the mechanism may beemployed with any electrical cable and electrical connectors.

FIGS. 11A, B are top views of the scooter, with the rear of the scooterat the left. FIG. 11A illustrates a portion of the scooter 100 duringremoval or installation of the deck assembly 102. The battery pack inthe deck assembly 102 is electrically coupled to the motor 108 by theelectrical cables 806, 808 and the electrical connectors 802, 804. Asshown in FIG. 11A, during installation or removal of the deck assembly102, one or both of the electrical cables 806, 808 are extended tofacilitate installation and removal, and to provide easy access to theelectrical connectors 802, 804. A retention device 1102 permits thisextension of the electrical cables 806, 808.

When the deck assembly 102 is installed in the frame 104 of the scooter100, the retention device 1102 retracts, guides, organizes, and storesthe loose portions of the electrical cables 806, 808, as shown in FIG.11B. For example, the electrical cables 806, 808 may be retracted into achannel (not shown) formed in the frame 104 of the scooter 100. Theretention device 1102 may be implemented as a spring-loaded device, forexample such as a winding mechanism or the like. The winding mechanismmay be similar to that used in spring-loaded tape measures, with theelectrical cables 806, 808 taking the place of the tape. One benefit ofthis mechanism is that a technician working on the scooter does not haveto manually feedback the slack in the electrical cables 806, 808, thatresults from the removal of the battery pack. When retracted, theelectrical cables 806, 808, and the electrical connectors 802, 804, areprotected from pinching, wear, and the like.

In some embodiments, the latch that retains the deck assembly 102 withinthe frame 104 of the scooter 100 may be hidden within a structure suchas the frame 104 or the housing 110 of the scooter 100 so that it cannotbe seen, and to protect the latch from damage. One such embodiment isillustrated in FIG. 12 . The embodiment of FIG. 12 is illustrated forthe mechanical lock 1002, physical key 1004, and latch 1006 of FIG. 10 .However, the described embodiment may be employed with any lock, key,and latch, or with a keyless latch where the lock and key are replacedby a knob or the like.

Referring to FIG. 12 , the described embodiment also includes a pin 1202and a spring 1204 that biases the pin 1202 against the frame 104. Whenthe lock 1002 and key 1004 are used to rotate the latch 1006 downwardinto a locked position, the latch 1006 forces the pin 1202 through ahole in the frame 104 into a notch 1206 formed in the deck assembly 102,thereby retaining the deck assembly 102 within the frame 104. When thelock 1002 and key 1004 are used to rotate the latch 1006 upward into anunlocked position, the spring 1204 backs the pin 1202 out of the notch1206 so the deck assembly may be removed.

FIG. 13 illustrates a process 1300 for a user to install a removabledeck assembly into an electric scooter according to embodiments of thedisclosed technology. While elements of the process 1300 are describedin a particular sequence, it should be understood that certain elementsof the process 1300 may be performed in other sequences, may beperformed concurrently, may be omitted, or any combination thereof.

Referring to FIG. 13 , the user may join the electrical connector of theelectric scooter with the electrical connector of the removable deckassembly, at 1302. The connectors may be joined as described above. Theuser may lower the removable deck assembly into the opening of the frameof the electric scooter from above the upper surface of the frame, at1304, for example as described above. The user may secure the removabledeck assembly within the frame of the electric scooter, at 1306, forexample as described above.

FIG. 14 illustrates a process 1400 for a user to remove a removable deckassembly from an electric scooter according to embodiments of thedisclosed technology. While elements of the process 1400 are describedin a particular sequence, it should be understood that certain elementsof the process 1400 may be performed in other sequences, may beperformed concurrently, may be omitted, or any combination thereof.

Referring to FIG. 14 , the user may release the removable deck assemblyfrom the frame of the electric scooter, at 1402, for example asdescribed above. The user may lift the removable deck assembly out ofthe opening of the frame of the electric scooter from above the uppersurface of the frame, at 1404, for example as described above. The usermay separate the electrical connector of the electric scooter from theelectrical connector of the removable deck assembly, at 1406 for exampleas described above. Spatially relative terms such as “under,” “below,”“lower,” “over,” “upper,” and the like, are used for ease of descriptionto explain the positioning of one element relative to a second element.These terms are intended to encompass different orientations of thedevice in addition to different orientations than those depicted in theFigures. Further, terms such as “first,” “second,” and the like, arealso used to describe various elements, regions, sections, etc. and arealso not intended to be limiting. Like terms refer to like elementsthroughout the description.

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 15 , electric vehicles 1516 areprovided with systems and methods for vehicle security without ahardware secure element 1510. Hardware secure elements 1510 usuallyallow for the storage of private keys 1512, which are used to sign andencrypt data. In one embodiment the present invention removes thedependency on a hardware secure element 1510 as part of the wholesecurity system.

Private keys and private key pairs (collectively 1512 and 1514) are usedto cryptographically secure sensitive information. private keys 1512 canbe used to decrypt, encrypt, or sign data. The corresponding public key1514 can be used to decrypt or verify the signature of the data signedby its private key. public keys cannot be used to encrypt or sign data.

As a non-limited example, as used herein a vehicle 1516 is a means ofcarrying or transporting something including but not limited to an EVmotor vehicle 1516, including but not limited to a scooter, skateboard,skates, and the like.

As used herein an encryption key is a piece of information thatdetermines the functional output of a cryptographic algorithm. Forencryption algorithms, a key specifies the transformation of plaintextinto ciphertext, and vice versa for decryption algorithms. Keys alsospecify transformations in other cryptographic algorithms, such asdigital signature schemes and message authentication codes.

As used herein, the cloud 1518 is a global network of servers, each witha unique function. This is not a physical entity, but instead is a vastnetwork of remote servers around the globe which are hooked together andmeant to operate as a single ecosystem. These servers are designed toeither store and manage data, run applications, or deliver content or aservice such as streaming videos, web mail, office productivitysoftware, or social media. Instead of accessing files and data from alocal or personal computer, you are accessing them online from anyinternet-capable device—the information will be available anywhere yougo and anytime you need it. In the case of this embodiment the cloud1518 is securely storing and generating public key and private key pairsfor each component in the vehicle 1516.

As non-limiting examples, there are four different methods to deploy8resources.

These include: a public cloud 1518 that shares resources and offersservices to the public over the Internet; a private cloud that isn'tshared and offers services over a private internal network typicallyhosted on-premises; a hybrid cloud that shares services between publicand private clouds depending on their purpose; and a community cloud1518 that shares resources only between organizations, such as withgovernment institutions.

In one embodiment, system 10 is coupled to the cloud 1518.

As used herein, a local area network (LAN) is a network thatinterconnects within a limited area such as a residence, school,laboratory, university campus or office building. By contrast, a widearea network (WAN) not only covers a larger geographic distance, butalso generally involves leased telecommunication circuits. Ethernet andWi-Fi are two common technologies in use for local area networks.Historical network technologies include ARCNET, Token ring, andAppleTalk.

As a non-limiting example, a wide area network (WAN) is a network thatexists over a large-scale geographical area. A WAN connects differentsmaller networks, including local area networks (LANs) and metro areanetworks (MANs). This ensures that computers and users in one locationcan communicate with computers and users in other locations. WANimplementation can be done either with the help of the publictransmission system or a private network.

As a non-limiting example, system 10 is coupled to the cloud. This canbe achieved via GSM, WiFi, satellite, a mobile device and the like.

Other wireless standards that are specifically designed for IoT devicesare becoming available such as LoRA, NB-IOT and LTE-M, and the like.

As a non-limiting example, in one embodiment one or more hardwareelements 1510 of the vehicle 1516 has public keys 1514 stored therein.Secure encryption is not put on the hardware elements 1510.

A vehicle 1516 consists of one or more in individual components 1520.Individual components 1520 of the vehicle 1516 are given an Acton UniqueIdentifier (AUIDs). When a vehicle 1516 is activated the first time, aunique public key 1514 and private key 1512 pair are generated by thecloud. AUIDs, public key and private keys 1514 and 1512 are then storedin the cloud. Each component stores its AUID and public key inpersistent memory within the component thus eliminating theft of privatekeys 1512.

For selected components 1520 of the vehicle 1516, the cloud 1518produces a unique private key 1512 and a public key 1514. As anon-limiting example, with the present invention, private keys 15112 aresecure and in the cloud. They cannot be taken from the vehicle 1516.Non-limiting examples of vehicle 1516 components 1520 with public keys1514 include but are not limited to: IOTA, the battery, motorcontroller, and the like.

As non-limiting examples, a simple electric vehicle 1516 can include abattery; vehicle control unit (motor controller), and IoT gateway. Eachof these components 1520 is given an AUID. Additional components 1520include but are not limited to vehicle locks; dashboards; helmets;docking stations; and the like.

As non-limiting examples, selected vehicle components 1520 have uniqueIDs with a unique identifier. These components 1520 are given a uniquekey pair. As a non-limiting example, the private key 1512 is securelystored in the cloud. An associated public key 1512 is stored in thevehicle components 1520. Communication in the cloud 1518 can beauthenticated with the vehicle 1516 through the components 1520 thathave public keys.

As a non-limiting example of authentication steps, public keys 1514 arepassed to the vehicle 1516, e.g., vehicle components 1520. The privatekey 1512 is stored in the cloud, and the public key 1514 is transferredto a respective vehicle component.

As a non-limiting example, when the vehicle 1516 connects to the server1522, it tells the server 1522 it has components 1520 A, B, and C. TheSystem looks up in an associated database and generates an activationmessage composed of multiple parts, each part signed with the privatekey 1512 that corresponds to the AUID of the vehicle component A, B, orC 1510. When the activation message is received by the vehicle 1516, theindividual components 1520 A, B, and C will decrypt and verify theirparts of the message. If anyone component's message part failsverification, the vehicle 1516 will not activate.

As a non-limiting example, a secret key is not needed that unlocks theentire scooter. Instead, the system creates components 1520 areidentified as being unique with associated keys.

In one embodiment fleets of vehicles are used to distribute informationbetween vehicles in the fleet. As a non-limiting example, individualfleet vehicles have two wireless communication networks. The first isany kind of cloud 1518 connectively. The second one is any kind of localwireless communication.

When vehicles communicate with the cloud, they report their statusoccasionally. When they report status, they report the presence of otherfleet-vehicles that they have detected on local wireless. As anon-limiting example, this status message can then be communicated withother fleet vehicles IDs that are within local communication. Thisprovides information about the location of fleet vehicles, which can beused to reduce theft and increase fleet availability.

As a non-limiting example, data can be distributed to the fleet byseeding it to only certain vehicles, and these vehicles that receive thecommunications then communicate with other vehicles. Data that could besent includes, but is not limited to updates, navigation information,vehicle configuration, secure one-time-keys. This mechanism decreasesfleet-wide data-usage and improves fleet operation.

As a non-limiting example, a vehicle 1516 can detect, via local wirelesscommunication, other vehicles, report their presence to the cloud, andthe can then determine if another vehicle 1516 is located within aselected proximity. The cloud 1518 can then determine if the reportingvehicle 1516 can communicate data to the other vehicle. The cloud 1518can then send a one-time use session key to the vehicles, allowing themto communicate securely.

When a vehicle 1516 communicates with the cloud 1518 that it seesanother vehicle, it sends this message up to the cloud. The cloud 1518can use this vehicle 1516 presence information to disable vehicles,track stolen vehicles, locate missing vehicles, and the like.

Fleet vehicles are vehicles operated by an entity that provides them forpublic or private use to individuals or employees. A fleet is a group ofone or more Fleet Vehicles that an operator makes available for use.Private vehicles are vehicles operated by individuals for their own use.

In one embodiment, this invention can be used with both fleet andindividual vehicles. If individual or fleet Operators of EV includetheir vehicle 1516 in this system, the benefits of lost vehicle 1516discovery, reduced data usage, and the like can be extended acrossfleets and individuals. In this way, the fleet vehicles of Operator Acan look for a stolen fleet vehicle 1516 of Operator B, while a privatevehicle 1516 operated by individual C can receive software update datafrom Operator A's fleet.

When misplaced or stolen fleet or individual vehicles are located, theowner and/or authorities can be notified.

It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not to be limitedto the specific examples illustrated and that modifications and otherexamples are intended to be included within the scope of the appendedclaims. Moreover, although the foregoing description and the associateddrawings describe examples of the present disclosure in the context ofcertain illustrative combinations of elements and/or functions, itshould be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/orfunctions may be provided by alternative implementations withoutdeparting from the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly,parenthetical reference numerals in the appended claims are presentedfor illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scopeof the claimed subject matter to the specific examples provided in thepresent disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electric vehicle, comprising: a first electricvehicle including one or more components that have uniqueidentifications and having a unique public key stored at the one or morecomponents, the electric vehicle being coupled to a cloud that includesa server, the cloud storing a private key for each of an electricvehicle and providing each of an electric vehicle with the unique publickey; the first electric vehicle configured to distribute informationbetween different electric vehicles in a fleet of electric vehiclesusing local wireless communication to communication information from thefirst electric vehicle to a fleet of electric vehicles and wherein whena message is received by the first electric vehicle, a first and secondcomponent provide a verification of their existence, the first andsecond components decrypting and verifying their parts of the message,and when either the first or second component fails to provide averification, the electric vehicle is not activated.
 2. The electricvehicle of claim 1, wherein after the first electric vehicle is verifieda status of the first electric vehicle is reported to a fleet ofelectric vehicles on a local wireless network.
 3. The electric vehicleof claim 2, wherein when the first electric vehicle reports verificationto the cloud a status message of the first electric vehicle is producedthat is then communicated to the fleet of vehicles.
 4. The electricvehicle of claim 3, wherein the verification is a status message thatallows for a production of information about a location of the fleet ofelectric vehicles.
 5. The electric vehicle of claim 4, wherein thelocation of the fleet of vehicles is used to assist in a reduction oftheft of the fleet of electric.
 6. The electric vehicle of claim 4,wherein all the information is distributed to only certain vehicles inthe fleet of vehicles, and the certain vehicles then communicate withother electric vehicles in the fleet of vehicles.
 7. The electricvehicle of claim 6, wherein the information is selected from one or moreof: updates, navigation information, vehicle configuration, and secureone-time-keys.
 8. The electric vehicle of claim 6, wherein theinformation is used to provide fleet-wide data-usage.
 9. The electricvehicle of claim 6, wherein at least one electric vehicle in the fleetof vehicles can detect, via local wireless communication, other electricvehicles, report their presence to the cloud, and the cloud can thendetermine if another electric vehicle is located within a selectedproximity.
 10. The electric vehicle of claim 9, wherein the clouddetermines if-an electric vehicle of the fleet of vehicles cancommunicate data to the other electric vehicle in the fleet of vehicles.11. The electric vehicle of claim 10, wherein the cloud can send aone-time use session key to electric vehicles of the fleet of vehicles,allowing them to communicate securely.
 12. The electric vehicle of claim11, wherein when an electric vehicle communicates with the cloud that itsees another electric vehicle of the fleet of vehicles, it sends amessage up to the cloud.
 13. The electric vehicle of claim 12, whereinthe cloud uses electric vehicle presence information to disable electricvehicles, track stolen electric vehicles, and locate missing electricvehicles.
 14. The electric vehicle of claim 1, wherein the fleet ofelectric vehicles are vehicles operated by an entity that provides themfor public or private use to individuals or employees.